Prince Han was silent.
The Crown Prince spoke, “When I broke my leg, your Han Mansion sent a skinless tiger’s claw. You mocked me cruelly.”
Prince Han shouted in indignance, “Who exactly is creating misunderstandings between us? My Han Mansion sent ginseng. We have never sent a tiger’s claw. I swear on Imperial Mother’s spirit in heaven. If there is any lie in my words, I will be struck by lightning!”
The Crown Prince fell silent.
Yu He slapped Fu Shui. “Why is the Crown Prince still alive?”
Today, he had gone to the Imperial Physician Department and found out that the Crown Prince was finally eating normally all thanks to his son. He clearly sent Fu Shui to get rid of the Crown Prince. He never expected Fu Shui to disobey him. This was something that had never happened before!
Fu Shui’s expression was calm. “He has already lost everything and will never be able to bounce back. Why do we have to kill him?”
Yu He glared at him furiously. “Since when did you know how to sympathise with the enemy? The Li family killed your grandfather and stole our Great Sui!”
“But no matter what, he treats me as his own. I have already betrayed him. If I take his life, how different will I be from a beast?” Fu Shui lowered his eyes. “I have already done so much for you and I will trade it for his life. If you persist on killing him, don’t blame me for being heartless.”
“You!” Yu He never thought that his son would be so determined for the Crown Prince. This was the most critical time and they should be united. They could not lose something bigger because of this small issue. “Forget it. As long as the Crown Prince never leaves the prison, I can forget it temporarily.”
The atmosphere between the father and son momentarily grew cold.
Concubine Yan walked out from the side palace fuming. She failed to realise the weird tension between them. “I never thought that even after the Empress is gone, she could still win over the old ministers. I am afraid that the Emperor has decided to make Prince Qin the Crown Prince.”
Yu He was humble. “It is all because we were careless. We did not expect Sheng Chumu to raid Fu Shui’s villa and find Great Sui’s flag, causing us to become passive.”
Fu Shui stepped forward. “Your Highness, please do not be worried. Sheng Chumu did not manage to get any live witnesses. It will be difficult to accuse us of anything just from an old flag. As for Prince Qin, he can escape now but he won’t be able to escape forever. I have already made arrangements. He will leave but never be able to return.”
Concubine Yan let out a sigh. “Thankfully, we have you to help us. If not, no matter how I try, it would be difficult for me to achieve anything. The Emperor looks like he dotes on me and Prince Zhou but he has always made his own decisions as he wishes. As soon as Prince Qin is crowned the Crown Prince, the road will definitely be paved for him. At that time, Prince Zhou will be forced to return to his feudal land. In the end, he would just be an empty rich lord.”
“Great Sui has hope because there is Your Highness and Prince Zhou. You give value to my existence. I will definitely do my best to help Prince Zhou ascend the throne.”
Concubine Yan nodded. “Good! Good child!”
Yu He glanced at his son, his frown easing. Thankfully, he still had the bigger picture in mind.
Fu Shui noticed his father’s expression and felt slightly at ease. It seems like the Crown Prince would be able to live for the time being.
The road was bumpy as the group headed to Qingxiu Temple and Daci’en Temple. Fu Rou pulled open the carriage’s curtains and looked at the beautiful spring mountain scenery. The camellia had started to wilt, while the flowers greeting spring started to bloom. There were also all sorts of wild flowers. Even the best embroidery would not be able to depict the brilliance of the entire mountain.
There was not a single spot that was splendorous, yet it was so beautiful that it caught her breath. She could breathe easily and relax. There was no need to worry about the eyes in the dark, trying to conspire to kill others.
Of course, she was not only looking at the scenery. Occasionally, she would look to the front and back. In front of her was Prince Qin’s carriage and behind her was Concubine Zhen’s carriage. She had to watch both sides. All of a sudden, the wind blew the curtains of the carriage behind her open. She caught sight of Concubine Zhen vomiting.
Fu Rou thought about it and asked Linghu Deguan, who was riding a horse beside her. “General, is it time for us to stop and rest? We are used to the comfort in the palace and can’t take it in the carriage; especially since we are traveling on mountain roads. I feel giddy.”
Linghu Deguan raised his brows. “This...I’ll have to ask Prince Qin.”
Fu Rou smiled slightly, “Of course. Thank you, General.”
Prince Qin heard that Fu Rou wanted to rest and was naturally fine with it. The group stopped at a gradual slope and Fu Rou appeared before the pale Concubine Zhen. She handed over a smell bottle.
“This is a scent that the Empress always brought with her when she went travelling. It clears your mind and raises your spirits. It doesn’t harm pregnant women either.” Before they left, she had reminisced about the time when she accompanied the Empress to Cangshan Mountain. When she was brought back to reality, she had already packed it.
Concubine Zhen hesitated but took it in the end. She smelled it and felt a lot better.
“Court Lady Fu--” Concubine Zhen paused, “Thank you.”
“It is no trouble, Your Highness.” Fu Rou was about to leave.
“I thanked you not only for this bottle.” Concubine Zhen spoke once again, “I don’t have very good relationships in the palace and have never rewarded or helped you with anything. Even if you help me, I can’t repay you. I was accused of so many crimes, coveting the Crown Prince position, hurting Prince Qin, yet you were willing to speak up for me. Aren’t you worried about getting implicated?”
Fu Rou asked in return, “Your Highness, were you really the one that tried to hurt Imperial Concubine Wang?”
Concubine Zheng shook her head. “Of course not.”
Fu Rou smiled slightly. “I thought so too.”
Concubine Zhen had a surprised look. “But in the palace, it is not just about who is right or wrong. There are also gains and losses…”
Fu Rou cut her off. “Personal gains and losses are small. The royal palace is a role model and the heart of Great Tang. If the palace is covered by lies and schemes, causing innocent people to suffer and conspirators to win, what will become of the world? If the nation is strong, the citizens are strong and Great Tang will flourish. This should be the gains and losses that matter to everyone. Be it my body or my heart, they all belong to Great Tang.”
Concubine Zhen was deeply moved. “You spoke well.”
“I am going to take a look at His Highness. Your Highness should take the chance to rest.” Fu Rou took her leave.
Chapter 89.1: Restoring Justice
It was sunset by the time the group reached the relay station. The deputy of the relay station was already waiting for them along with two assistants. Fu Rou peered out from her carriage and saw that the three men were all burly. They did not seem like stable men but more like military personnel.
Fu Rou muttered this to herself and Linghu Deguan happened to overhear. He grew alert and looked at the deputy for a moment. When his eyes swept across the main gate, he saw shadows move past and could not help but narrow his eyes. He made a gesture and the soldiers that were about to dismount remained on their horses. He moved up to the front slowly.